How to save money dining out with kids

Lisa Mayoh |
September 07, 2017

Because, let's face it, you can't cook every night.

Eating out with children can be a challenge, before you even think about the bill. One won’t sit still in the high chair, the two eldest fight over the purple pencil and everyone is always very hungry, very tired and normally, very vocal. But sometimes, like a magical fairytale, it all just works. The colouring in is plentiful, the pizzas are to their liking and Mum and Dad get to enjoy a wine without chasing kids through a busy restaurant.

Now to work on that bill … exactly how does a family eat out on a budget?

Lunch is the new dinner – and sharing is caring

“Share a meal - if your kids are young or barely touch their meal when eating out, try sharing your meal with them instead of ordering a kid's meal,” the price savvy mum told Kidspot.

“Sometimes it’s also fun to order a few full-sized meals and everyone has a little bit of each. Pizzas and platters are perfect for sharing.

“Also, stick to water. Skip the expensive drinks and drink tap water instead - it’s better for you anyway.

“And eat out at lunchtime - meals are often much cheaper at lunchtime as opposed to dinnertime, with some venues offering lunchtime deals for around the $10 mark.

“The bonus is the kids are likely to be in a better mood for eating out at lunchtime, too.”

Jasmine shares sensible and valuable tips to eat out for an affordable price with the whole family. Source: Supplied

Put your money where your mouth is

Don’t be afraid to use vouchers or coupons. Plan ahead and book where you know you’re going to get a good deal – the savings will be worth it.

“Hunt for coupons - keep an eye out for coupons in the Entertainment Book, on daily deal websites and on the back of supermarket receipts,” Jasmine continued.

“These coupons will often give 25 percent off the total bill, or offer a free meal when another meal is purchased.

“Plan ahead and check out menus on restaurant websites before you leave home.

“You can then check that restaurant offers meals your family will actually eat, and know how much you can expect to pay before you even leave home, meaning no nasty surprises when it’s time to pay.

“And search for kids-eat-free deals. Many family-friendly restaurants will offer kids-eat-free deals on certain days, giving a free kid's meal with the purchase of an adult's meal - sometimes they even include a drink and dessert.”

Erica and her kids use the Liven app to eat out. Source: Supplied

Keep everyone app-y

Apps like Liven offer restaurant loyalty rewards that can let you feast at the fanciest restaurants for the same price as a cheap takeaway. The app gives you 25 percent cash-back credit for every bill paid through the service, with more than 100,000 users enjoying huge discounts at more than 500 restaurants across Sydney and Melbourne.

Mother-of-two Erica Karen Louise said she uses Liven to dine out when we're in the city, usually prior to seeing a show.

“What can otherwise be an expensive outing makes it much more affordable thanks to Liven's cash-back option,” she said.

“We dine out and pay using the Liven app, receive credit, and use that credit again for our next restaurant booking.

“We tend to choose the same kid-friendly eateries based on our experience.”

Another great discount dining option is website First Table, which offers a 50 percent discount off meals to diners at certain times. Times like 5.30pm – perfect for young families wanting to get out, eat, and go home.

Using First Table, diners pay a $10 booking fee to secure the discount at a participating restaurant – like Pilu or No. 1 Bent St in Sydney - and get half-price meals for up to four people when booking the restaurant’s first table of the evening. Dinner. Done.

Licia and her family are all about he coupons. Source: Supplied

Knowing the time to take away

The key to going out with children is also knowing when to do so. Perhaps 7pm on the last Friday of term three isn’t the best idea – so grab your coupons and exchange the high-priced, high-pressure meals for takeaway in the park next door.

The kids will have more fun and you will actually get to relax, without worrying about making too much noise or spilling spaghetti on white tablecloths.

“Sometimes it can all go terribly wrong, and a mother just knows when it’s too much to expect everyone to go out and sit through a long meal at a restaurant,” said Sydney mother-of-three Licia Curro.

“Our local takeaways have great specials, and that can be a really cost-effective way to take everyone out - on their own terms, not ours.

“Bring it to the park, down to the beach or have a picnic in the backyard.

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